Labor will protect the future of Australia's renewable energy sector by backing the Clean Energy Council's compromise position on the Renewable Energy Target.

 

Labor is acting on the advice of the renewable energy industry, the CEC and the experts in reaching this decision.

 

Every day this matter drags on, more jobs are lost and every day the uncertainty continues, projects are shelved and future jobs are lost.

 

Labor is working with the renewable energy sector to stop any more damage.

 

Tony Abbott must end the uncertainly and accept the renewable energy industry’s compromise position today.

 

The Abbott Government’s dishonesty and incompetence has almost destroyed Australia's renewable energy industry.

 

Since Tony Abbott was elected, investment in Australia's renewable energy industry has fallen 88 per cent, while around the world investment rose by 16 per cent.

 

Labor has always been guided by the science when it comes to tackling climate change, which why we established Australia's Renewable Energy Target to drive investment in clean energy alternatives.

 

It’s an economically and environmentally sensible approach to reducing pollution and creating the next generation of Australian jobs.

 

Under Labor, wind power tripled, jobs in the renewable energy sector tripled, homes with rooftop solar panels soared and pollution levels started to reduce.

 

By 2013, Australia was rated one of the four most attractive places to invest in renewable energy, alongside China, the US and Germany.  Under Tony Abbott, it has now dropped to tenth.

 

Labor will accept the Clean Energy Council’s position of 33,500 GwH by 2020 to stop the loss of further jobs and investment.

 

Labor will use this target as a floor and if elected, acting on the advice of the sector, will increase the RET out to 2020 to bolster investment, specifically in large scale solar.

 

Labor's support is contingent on the small-scale solar rooftop scheme remaining unchanged.

 

In addition, Emissions Intensive Trade Exposed industries must be exempt, as Labor has consistently called for.

 

New investment in renewable energy will be good for jobs and good for the Australian economy.

 

We will be continuing to consult with the experts and announcing our goals for the industry beyond 2020 to continue Labor’s strong record in renewable energy.

 

Labor established the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and we will fight Tony Abbott’s efforts to abolish these agencies.

 

Labor believes renewable energy must continue to grow as part of Australia's energy mix.

 

Labor’s vision of a smart modern 21st century Australia has renewable energy at its centre.

 

WEDNESDAY, 8 APRIL 2015

 

MEDIA CONTACT:          LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053

JO MEEHAN (BUTLER) 0408 803 428